Do This Now: Editor-selected events at state, regional and local parks

June 6, 2014 — 12:58am

Dennis Anderson &#x2022; Star TribuneSilhouetted by the rising sun, Bobby McGraw of St. Paul casts a fly toward the St. Croix River shoreline in search of smallmouth bass. ORG XMIT: MIN2014053014305057

Learn to identify birds by their songs during this morning hike. The event is part of the Urban Birding Festival. Ages 12-plus. $5. Registration required; 763-559-6700. More information: www.threerivers parks.org.

2 Fly-fishing workshop

William O’Brien State Park, June 7, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.

Join instructors from the National Park Service, Fly Fishing Federation, Trout Unlimited and the St. Paul Fly Tiers for a day of fly fishing on the St. Croix River. The morning class covers history, theory and lore. The afternoon class focuses on casting. More information: 651-433-0500 or www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar.

3 Sunset hike for families

Lebanon Hills Regional Park, June 7, 7:30-9 a.m.

Take a naturalist-led hike to look for birds and other wildlife. Finish the evening by relaxing with other families by the campfire. $8. Registration required; www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

4 Kayaking club

French Regional Park, June 9, 6:30-8 p.m.

Refine paddle techniques, learn new strokes and meet fellow kayakers during this 6-week series. The club meets at a different Three Rivers Park property on designated Monday evenings through Aug. 18. Ages 18-plus. $110 for the series. Registration required; 763-559-6700. More information: www.threerivers parks.org.

5 Cooking in the park

Fort Snelling State Park, June 10, 11 a.m.-noon

Meet at the visitor center for a naturalist-led walk to search for safe, edible plants to gather and prepare. Learn to identify, collect and cook nutritious plants such as wild nettles. More information: 612-725-2724 or www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar.